Carrie A Lee
@carriealee.bsky.social
Former public servant: Democracy, Civ-Mil, NatSec & Strategy. Senior Fellow @gmfus.bsky.social, Visiting Scholar @perryworldhouse.bsky.social, Member @cfr.org, Truman Project. Running enthusiast.
Pinned
Carrie A Lee
@carriealee.bsky.social
· Jun 5
Friends, followers, and colleagues: some professional news, as they say.
After four wonderful years with the US Army War College, I resigned my position effective May 2, 2025. 1/
After four wonderful years with the US Army War College, I resigned my position effective May 2, 2025. 1/
Outstanding summary of the civil-military tensions and issues at play in Venezuela right now by Rebecca Hanson and Veronica Zubillaga.
Summary: things are fragile right now.
Summary: things are fragile right now.
Venezuela’s civil-military alliance is being stretched — if it breaks, numerous armed groups may be drawn into messy split
How various factions respond to the Trump administration’s threat to be the de facto ruler of the country could quickly inflame domestic tensions and lead to conflict.
theconversation.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Outstanding summary of the civil-military tensions and issues at play in Venezuela right now by Rebecca Hanson and Veronica Zubillaga.
Summary: things are fragile right now.
Summary: things are fragile right now.
Indeed, the greatest tell of whether someone has actually read/internalized Thucydides is if during times like this, they quote the Melian dialogue unironically.
Hint: it’s a warning not a celebration.
Hint: it’s a warning not a celebration.
When people start puffing out their chests and talking like the Athenian delegation in the Melian dialogue, it's because they are feeling powerful and invulnerable. That's how a lot of people on the right are feeling right now: it feels to them like they just proved that the US can ...
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January 6, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Indeed, the greatest tell of whether someone has actually read/internalized Thucydides is if during times like this, they quote the Melian dialogue unironically.
Hint: it’s a warning not a celebration.
Hint: it’s a warning not a celebration.
Reposted by Carrie A Lee
On Lawfare Daily, Loren Voss spoke to @kschake.bsky.social and @carriealee.bsky.social about how they assess a healthy civil-military relationship, the current state of civil-military affairs, potential unlawful orders, and what we should watch going forward. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/lawf...
December 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
On Lawfare Daily, Loren Voss spoke to @kschake.bsky.social and @carriealee.bsky.social about how they assess a healthy civil-military relationship, the current state of civil-military affairs, potential unlawful orders, and what we should watch going forward. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/lawf...
Join us on Thursday morning for a discussion of the new National Security Strategy, the National Defense Authorization Act, and their implications for the Transatlantic relationship. Am excited to join my colleagues to discuss the future of transatlantic security!
www.gmfus.org/event/us-nat...
www.gmfus.org/event/us-nat...
The US National Security Strategy: Implications for Europe and for Washington's Global Priorities
This virtual briefing on the newly released US National Security Strategy will explore the document’s key priorities; their meaning for US engagement in the world; international reaction; and implicat...
www.gmfus.org
December 9, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Join us on Thursday morning for a discussion of the new National Security Strategy, the National Defense Authorization Act, and their implications for the Transatlantic relationship. Am excited to join my colleagues to discuss the future of transatlantic security!
www.gmfus.org/event/us-nat...
www.gmfus.org/event/us-nat...
Terrific new roundtable review for the H-Diplo Jervis Forum on Mara Karlin's outstanding book, The Inheritance. An all-star lineup of reviewers in Peter Feaver, @klkuzminski.bsky.social, @profjessblankshain.bsky.social, and Paula Thornhill! Read closely and in full!
issforum.org/roundtables/...
issforum.org/roundtables/...
Jervis Forum Roundtable 17-19 on Karlin, The Inheritance
H-Diplo | Robert Jervis International Security Studies Forum Roundtable Review 17-19 Mara E. Karlin, The Inheritance: America’s Military After Two Decades of War. Brookings Institution Press, 2022.
issforum.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Terrific new roundtable review for the H-Diplo Jervis Forum on Mara Karlin's outstanding book, The Inheritance. An all-star lineup of reviewers in Peter Feaver, @klkuzminski.bsky.social, @profjessblankshain.bsky.social, and Paula Thornhill! Read closely and in full!
issforum.org/roundtables/...
issforum.org/roundtables/...
Reposted by Carrie A Lee
The Trump National Security Strategy is an act of vandalism against the things that actually make our country strong, safe, and prosperous.
December 5, 2025 at 6:17 AM
The Trump National Security Strategy is an act of vandalism against the things that actually make our country strong, safe, and prosperous.
Movie you’ve watched more than six times with a gif. Hard mode: no Stars (Wars nor Trek), LOTR, or Marvel, Disney Animated or Pixar.
December 8, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Movie you’ve watched more than six times with a gif. Hard mode: no Stars (Wars nor Trek), LOTR, or Marvel, Disney Animated or Pixar.
6. NDS. I expected a lot of daylight between the NSS and NDS, particularly on China, because I assumed the NDS would be a much more serious document. But after Hegseth's RDF speech, I'm not so sure. If I were partners and allies in Asia, I'd be watching the NDS very closely. 13/13
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
6. NDS. I expected a lot of daylight between the NSS and NDS, particularly on China, because I assumed the NDS would be a much more serious document. But after Hegseth's RDF speech, I'm not so sure. If I were partners and allies in Asia, I'd be watching the NDS very closely. 13/13
The sovereignty sections of the NSS might as well have been CCP talking points. Hegseth's declaration that we must "respect" China's military modernization is a gift to Beijing. Together, it is the closest the US has come to outright capitulation to the PRC on every issue it cares about. 12/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
The sovereignty sections of the NSS might as well have been CCP talking points. Hegseth's declaration that we must "respect" China's military modernization is a gift to Beijing. Together, it is the closest the US has come to outright capitulation to the PRC on every issue it cares about. 12/
5. China. The NSS barely mentions China's territorial ambitions in the IndoPacific, fails to name it as the single greatest threat to US security, and contains absolutely no mention of China's growing nuclear modernization. Hegseth's speech at RDF is similarly shocking. 11/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
5. China. The NSS barely mentions China's territorial ambitions in the IndoPacific, fails to name it as the single greatest threat to US security, and contains absolutely no mention of China's growing nuclear modernization. Hegseth's speech at RDF is similarly shocking. 11/
Given that Africa is set to have 3bn people by 2070, this is shockingly short-sighted. As for LA, the US has spent a century trying to recover from its 19thC exploitation and rebuild trust in the region. This NSS destroys all of that, and will have generational consequences for US-LA relations. 10/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Given that Africa is set to have 3bn people by 2070, this is shockingly short-sighted. As for LA, the US has spent a century trying to recover from its 19thC exploitation and rebuild trust in the region. This NSS destroys all of that, and will have generational consequences for US-LA relations. 10/
4. Neo-colonialism. The sections on the Western Hemisphere and Africa are explicitly exploitative in orientation. The only value those regions have to the U.S., according to this doc, is there natural resources, while the people themselves are a security threat to the U.S. 9/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
4. Neo-colonialism. The sections on the Western Hemisphere and Africa are explicitly exploitative in orientation. The only value those regions have to the U.S., according to this doc, is there natural resources, while the people themselves are a security threat to the U.S. 9/
What's more, if I were reading this NSS from Taipei I'd be exploring all kinds of options for alternative security guarantees and arrangements. This is a document that, by describing Taiwanese value in terms of economic stability, opens the door to sell out the Taiwanese people. 8/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
What's more, if I were reading this NSS from Taipei I'd be exploring all kinds of options for alternative security guarantees and arrangements. This is a document that, by describing Taiwanese value in terms of economic stability, opens the door to sell out the Taiwanese people. 8/
I have been skeptical of those who argue that we are in 1938, just waiting for the 3rd world war to start in the Pacific. But the NSS makes the likelihood that we are in fact in 1932 a far better analogy--but this time aided and abetted by the United States itself. 7/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
I have been skeptical of those who argue that we are in 1938, just waiting for the 3rd world war to start in the Pacific. But the NSS makes the likelihood that we are in fact in 1932 a far better analogy--but this time aided and abetted by the United States itself. 7/
They are being compelled to rearm and increase defense spending in response to the Russian threat while then also facing the extreme likelihood that they may then have to hand that powerful military over to Neo-Nazi groups intent on forcibly implementing white supremacy. 6/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
They are being compelled to rearm and increase defense spending in response to the Russian threat while then also facing the extreme likelihood that they may then have to hand that powerful military over to Neo-Nazi groups intent on forcibly implementing white supremacy. 6/
3. Alliances. The NSS explicitly echoes the talking points of far-right Neo-Nazi parties that have begun to take hold in Europe, while simultaneously demanding that Europe re-arm. This points European leaders in an impossible and extraordinarily dangerous situation: 5/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
3. Alliances. The NSS explicitly echoes the talking points of far-right Neo-Nazi parties that have begun to take hold in Europe, while simultaneously demanding that Europe re-arm. This points European leaders in an impossible and extraordinarily dangerous situation: 5/
2. The NSS offers a theory of security that is set on destroying the sources of American power. It spits on existing alliance structures, promotes Neo-colonialism through the exploitation of LA and Africa, and downplays the single greatest threat to US prosperity: the People's Republic of China. 4/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
2. The NSS offers a theory of security that is set on destroying the sources of American power. It spits on existing alliance structures, promotes Neo-colonialism through the exploitation of LA and Africa, and downplays the single greatest threat to US prosperity: the People's Republic of China. 4/
Watching so-called experts absolutely debase themselves by ignoring this central organizing principle in their analysis is one of the saddest and most offensive things I have seen in my career. The lack of moral courage and clarity is nothing short of astonishing. 3/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Watching so-called experts absolutely debase themselves by ignoring this central organizing principle in their analysis is one of the saddest and most offensive things I have seen in my career. The lack of moral courage and clarity is nothing short of astonishing. 3/
A National Security Strategy is meant to develop and identify a state's theory of security. This document clearly communicates that the Trump administration's theory of security is that the US is safer when it is run and dominated by white Christians. 2/
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
A National Security Strategy is meant to develop and identify a state's theory of security. This document clearly communicates that the Trump administration's theory of security is that the US is safer when it is run and dominated by white Christians. 2/
A few thoughts on the new NSS, expert responses, and upcoming NDS.
1. The first talking point for every expert should have been that this is an overtly white nationalist document that spits on every American ideal of meritocracy, the innate value of human life, and self-determination.
1/
1. The first talking point for every expert should have been that this is an overtly white nationalist document that spits on every American ideal of meritocracy, the innate value of human life, and self-determination.
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December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
A few thoughts on the new NSS, expert responses, and upcoming NDS.
1. The first talking point for every expert should have been that this is an overtly white nationalist document that spits on every American ideal of meritocracy, the innate value of human life, and self-determination.
1/
1. The first talking point for every expert should have been that this is an overtly white nationalist document that spits on every American ideal of meritocracy, the innate value of human life, and self-determination.
1/
Reposted by Carrie A Lee
This piece by @carriealee.bsky.social is one of the most essential things I've read all year. 100% assigning it to my grad students next term. Read it.
warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
The Soldier in the Illiberal State is a Professional Dead End
The American political system today is indeed in crisis. Government function is in doubt, the administration has politicized and weaponized a previously
warontherocks.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:59 PM
This piece by @carriealee.bsky.social is one of the most essential things I've read all year. 100% assigning it to my grad students next term. Read it.
warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
warontherocks.com/2025/12/the-...
Reposted by Carrie A Lee
🇺🇸 On #F24Debate, @carriealee.bsky.social of @gmfus.bsky.social contrasts the motives of terrorists and drug traffickers and warns against conflating them.
More in #F24Debate ➡️ f24.my/Bb73
More in #F24Debate ➡️ f24.my/Bb73
December 3, 2025 at 8:54 PM
🇺🇸 On #F24Debate, @carriealee.bsky.social of @gmfus.bsky.social contrasts the motives of terrorists and drug traffickers and warns against conflating them.
More in #F24Debate ➡️ f24.my/Bb73
More in #F24Debate ➡️ f24.my/Bb73
Ultimately, we are living in essentially unprecedented civ-mil times. This requires deep engagement and a re-evaluation of existing norms--especially because I fear that there are far more challenging situations up ahead, and senior leadership will find themselves tested like never before. 7/7
December 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Ultimately, we are living in essentially unprecedented civ-mil times. This requires deep engagement and a re-evaluation of existing norms--especially because I fear that there are far more challenging situations up ahead, and senior leadership will find themselves tested like never before. 7/7
There are no easy answers, but the choices are not as stark as obey/disobey. We should instead start by re-evaluating civil-military norms--particularly those that discourage public resignation and resignation in protest. Other norms may also need to be re-evaluated as time goes on. 6/
December 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM
There are no easy answers, but the choices are not as stark as obey/disobey. We should instead start by re-evaluating civil-military norms--particularly those that discourage public resignation and resignation in protest. Other norms may also need to be re-evaluated as time goes on. 6/
I also argue that liberal democracy is central to our modern understanding of the profession of arms because it preserves professional ethics in a way that other systems cannot. Serving in an illiberal state means abandoning the profession itself. 5/
December 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM
I also argue that liberal democracy is central to our modern understanding of the profession of arms because it preserves professional ethics in a way that other systems cannot. Serving in an illiberal state means abandoning the profession itself. 5/